210013 UE BAK4: Qualitative Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung (2023S)

Content: This is an introductory course on qualitative methodology with focus on topics related to health inequity, health policies and public health. Students will be introduced to key concepts and methods in qualitative research designs and will have the opportunities to apply them in practice (based on small-scale in-depth interviews or focus group interviews). Understanding ethical, gender and power asymmetry aspects of qualitative research will be an important part of the course. How to conduct qualitative research in multilingual and multicultural settings will also be included and discussed in the course.

The course is taught in English and students are encouraged to use English in class as well as write their assignments in English. However, native-level English is not expected and will not be the main criteria for the final grade. Interviews can be conducted in other languages but should be presented in English. If students have any concerns, they can consult the instructor by email anytime.

The course is composed of a series of interactive lectures and exercises, presentation by students and the submission of the final paper. The lecturer will also share her own experiences and lessons learned (both positive and negative) from these experiences.

Goals: To have basic understandings of qualitative methodologies, their philosophical underpinning, their strengths and limitations, and to be able to apply these understandings, knowledge and skills to a small-scale research project of an individual topic of interests.

Methods: The course is designed as interactive lecturing style, which means that regular attendance and active participation are of great importance. Missing three classes will result in failing the course (absences are only allowed up to maximum two classes).